Palm Beach Polo Golf and Country Club
Property Owners Association, INC
April 30th, 2023
Wellington Event Schedule for April-June 2023 can be accessed by clicking here.
April 14th, 2023
The below newsletter may be downloaded by clicking here.
Palm Beach Polo & Preserve
11585 Polo Club Road
Wellington, Florida 33414
April 14, 2023
Although a good number of the concerns raised will be addressed and, hopefully, assuaged in this letter, we are aware and understand some residents will remain in opposition as is their right.
As a result of feedback from the annual meeting, a communications committee has been formed to improve internal and external communications between residents, HOA presidents, and board members. Your communication suggestions are welcome and should be addressed to either Diane Hodges or George Tauber through the Palm Beach Polo & Preserve (PBP&P) office or on the updated website.
The re-born Council of Presidents (COP)
The COP is a committee consisting of the Presidents of each homeowner's association who gather to discuss common interests, association business and other communal issues.
Minutes of the meetings will be distributed to the presidents for distribution to their community's residents and posted on the website, www.palmbeachpolopoa.com.
The 2023 COP meeting schedule:
First: Sept.- Dec. Welcome back issue.
Second: Dec. - March. Current PBP&P and equestrian happenings.
Third: April-August Seasonal wrap-up and summer project alerts.
Or as required.
HOA Board Meetings
A POA board member will be available to attend individual HOA meetings. Requests for a meeting may be made through the PBP&P office. As there are 37 HOA's and 8 board members, meeting requests will be limited to 1 meeting per year with an individual HOA absent emergency events.
Newsletters
Newsletters will be sent in a timely manner. Three of the newsletters will conform to the COP meeting scheduled above. The communication committee will contribute to these newsletters in an effort to educate residents about issues and topics of pertinence and relevance to our community.
Website
The POA website will be updated and refreshed. Residents will be able to reach board members through individual web addresses that will be posted shortly.
Quorum
We have not been able to achieve a quorum for ten years, despite many prior efforts. This situation is not unique to PBP&P and is an ongoing problem for many communities in Florida.
This year we will conduct an all-out attempt to cure this situation:
• We will extend the length of the proxies to the extent allowed by law.
• We will mail out annual meeting reminders on the first of every month from November through March.
• We will supply each HOA president a check-off list for every resident in their community. Every resident must be contacted individually by the HOA president.
Annual Fees
Every resident in PBP&P pays the same amount of the annual fees no matter the value of the property. That is the manner in which the club was established. In order to change that structure, the state of Florida requires a 100% vote of the residents.
The Soccer Field and Tennis House Properties Purchase
The Farrell Companies entered into an agreement to purchase these properties from the declarant, not from PBP&P, which did not own them. Over the years, several undesirable proposals (see enclosed site plan from 2021 made by a developer proposing to construct a 312 unit rental complex on the soccer fields) to develop those parcels have been submitted and, fortunately, did not take place due to the seller's ambivalence.
As a result of the real existential threat from yet another unacceptable proposal, the Farrell Companies appeared to be a measured and prudent step to prevent over building and unwelcome density.
The declarant is now in full sale mode as a result of the following:
• The last two major parcels, Cypress Island and Blue Cypress are close to being sold out.
• The sale of the Dunes Course (now Dunes Preserve) to PBP&P.
• The sale of the Polo House to PBP&P. • The pending sale of the Cypress Course.
• The declarant's intent to concentrate his efforts on other projects.
The Dunes Preserve
The acquisition of the Dunes Preserve has restored a sense of community and provided a sanctuary for our residents and their pets. It is a perfect example of why PBP&P must be in control and the master of fate of every inch of land we can acquire from the declarant.
Why Purchase the Clubhouse?
30 years ago, Palm Beach Polo & Country Club maintained three separate clubhouses: Tennis, Golf and Polo. Today, we have been left with a single clubhouse owned by the declarant, operated by an outside vendor and is open to the public.
We do not control the staff, menu, pricing, or ambience. We do not have communal events, meeting rooms or amenities. It is in every resident's interest that we change this situation and restore a communal facility for the benefit of every PBP&P resident and their guests. We cannot be a "club" without full club facilities.
The clubhouse will be refurbished, and a new fitness center will be added. Due diligence has begun on the building and amenities. Tennis and Pickleball or Paddle courts will be built near the clubhouse. The Farrell companies have agreed to provide the courts on a "cost only" basis at no profit to them. The cost will be included in a new financing package that will be added to the annual fees. No special assessment will be required.
Why Purchase Big Blue?
Big Blue is a 93-acre cypress grove within our boundaries but is presently owned by the declarant. "The Big Blue Preserve is a 93-acre Cypress hammock, the largest remaining stand in South Florida and an important environmental area. "
As with the soccer and tennis properties, Big Blue is in play but not as a sale to outside developers. The declarant has stated he will donate the property to a 501 (c)(3) entity to allow public access to organizations such as "The Boys and Girls Club", "Boys and Girl Scouts", etc.
We cannot protect the soccer fields as we do not own them, but we can protect all the open and "green" spaces remaining in PBP&P. The purchase of Big Blue will bring a total of 282 acres under PBP&P protection.
What do we know now about the proposed purchase?
The $30 million acquisition consists of the present clubhouse, parking lots, the croquet fields (13 acres in all), and the 93-acre Big Blue Preserve. It does not include the part of the driving range owned by the declarant. The driving range has been rented to the entity purchasing the Cypress Course on a year-to-year basis. More financing details will follow the BOD1s due diligence with the lender.
How will the proposed purchase affect the residents?
• For the first time in 30 years, the residents will have a community center owned, operated and existing solely for the use and pleasure of the residents and their guests.
• The threat of future development and the usurping of open spaces will be eliminated.
• Home values should be further increased by the addition of a communal center and amenities.
• The shadow that has hung over PBP&P as a result of the negative press and public statements of the declarant will be removed as we undertake the rebirth of Palm Beach Polo and Preserve.
Zoning Changes
Zoning changes are granted by the Village of Wellington on a case-by-case basis. A zoning change in one area does not ensure that another area would automatically be granted a change.
As always, your Board of Directors and HOA presidents are open to discourse, debate, and discussion at your request. Yours sincerely,
The Palm Beach Polo POA Board of Directors
February 6th, 2023
Good afternoon,
Golf Cart Decals & Path Etiquette
All golf carts driven in the community must be registered with the POA office by February 1. If you have not done so already, please contact the POA office at 561-514-1800 or via email at polo.poa@polopoa.com for information. Golf cart decals are seventy-fifty dollars ($75.00) with a check payable to Palm Beach Polo POA.
Cart drivers are required to possess a valid driver’s license. Minors are not permitted to operate a golf cart under any circumstances and may not be covered by your insurance. Please observe the following regulations:
1. All carts must have a valid POA sticker affixed to the cart.
2. Carts are to be driven on golf cart paths only and not POA roadways. Security will enforce the regulation.
3. Pedestrians and cyclists have the right of way along all paths and carts must yield and pull over for each to allow passage.
4. Carts are required to stop at all road intersections including corners without stop signs.
5. Carts driven in the evening must be equipped with functioning head and tail lights.
Please note that if you use your golf cart to travel outside of Palm Beach Polo, the Village of Wellington also requires the golf cart driver to possess a valid driver's license or learner’s permit on the designated multi-modal pathways.
Additional Items
1. The information provided within this email is sent to residents of the community and does not necessarily reach everyone that is residing within the community. It is imperative that recipients of this email share this information with guests or tenants that may be staying at your home.
2. Please immediately cleanup after your dog(s). Dog waste bags and receptacles are conveniently located throughout the community for your use.
Quick Reference Contact Information
1. Palm Beach Polo POA office: 561-514-1800 or via email at polo.poa@polopoa.com
2. East Entry Gate Phone Number: 561-793-7758 (call this number with any access control or security concerns)
3. West Entry Gate Phone Number: 561-793-7759
4. Construction Entry Phone Number: 561-784-1901
For additional information and updates, please visit the POA website at www.palmbeachpolopoa.com or contact 561-514-1800.
Best regards,
Jim Taccone, LCAM General Manager Palm Beach Polo & Country Club Property Owners' Association, Inc.
1. The information provided within this email is sent to residents of the community and does not necessarily reach everyone that is residing within the community. It is imperative that recipients of this email share this information with guests or tenants that may be staying at your home. 2. Please immediately cleanup after your dog(s). Dog waste bags and receptacles are conveniently located throughout the community for your use. Quick Reference Contact Information 1. Palm Beach Polo POA office: 561-514-1800 or via email at polo.poa@polopoa.com 2. East Entry Gate Phone Number: 561-793-7758 (call this number with any access control or security concerns) 3. West Entry Gate Phone Number: 561-793-7759 4. Construction Entry Phone Number: 561-784-1901 For additional information and updates, please visit the POA website at www.palmbeachpolopoa.com or contact 561-514-1800. Best regards, Jim Taccone, LCAM General Manager Palm Beach Polo & Country Club Property Owners' Association, Inc.
Please note that if you use your golf cart to travel outside of Palm Beach Polo, the Village of Wellington also requires the golf cart driver to possess a valid driver's license or learner’s permit on the designated multi-modal pathways. Additional Items 1. The information provided within this email is sent to residents of the community and does not necessarily reach everyone that is residing within the community. It is imperative that recipients of this email share this information with guests or tenants that may be staying at your home. 2. Please immediately cleanup after your dog(s). Dog waste bags and receptacles are conveniently located throughout the community for your use. Quick Reference Contact Information 1. Palm Beach Polo POA office: 561-514-1800 or via email at polo.poa@polopoa.com 2. East Entry Gate Phone Number: 561-793-7758 (call this number with any access control or security concerns) 3. West Entry Gate Phone Number: 561-793-7759 4. Construction Entry Phone Number: 561-784-1901 For additional information and updates, please visit the POA website at www.palmbeachpolopoa.com or contact 561-514-1800. Best regards, Jim Taccone, LCAM General Manager Palm Beach Polo & Country Club Property Owners' Association, Inc.
April 15th, 2022
Good morning,
Architectural Review Committee Meetings are scheduled for April 20th and May 4th at 10AM.
Looking forward to seeing you there.
February 10th, 2022
Good morning,
An update from Palm Beach Polo & Country Club Property Owners' Association, Inc. (POA):
Trash & Recycling Pickup
As a reminder, trash and recycling containers are not to be placed curbside until after 5:00 PM the day before pickup and all containers are to be retrieved and stored out of sight the day of pickup. The community regulation also extends to Amazon, Fedex, USPS or similar cardboard boxes which are to be properly broken down and disposed of in containers for pickup and not strewn curbside at random.
For issues related to trash & recycling pickup, please email the Village of Wellington at solidwastedistribution@wellingtonfl.gov
Wednesday’s = Trash, Vegetation & Bulk Pickup
Saturday’s = Trash & Recycling Pickup
Community Safety, Parking & Vehicle Regulations
•Parking on the grass in any location of the community is prohibited. The regulation applies to all residents, guests and vendors.
• On-street parking is not permitted between the hours of midnight and 6 AM. Vehicles left in roadways between these hours will be ticketed.
Book Club
The next Book Club meeting is scheduled for Monday, February 14 at 3:00 PM in the Trophy Room. The book to be discussed is Bubble In The Sun by Christopher Knowlton. For additional information, please email Suzanne McDonald at szmcd@yahoo.com
Quick Reference Contact Information
• Palm Beach Polo POA office: 561-514-1800 or via email at polo.poa@polopoa.com
• East Entry Gate Phone Number: 561-793-7758 (call this number with any access control or security concerns)
• West Entry Gate Phone Number: 561-793-7759
• Construction Entry Phone Number: 561-784-1901
Best regards,
Jim Taccone, LCAM
General Manager Palm Beach Polo & Country Club Property Owners' Association, Inc.
Palm Beach Polo & Country Club Property Owners' Association, Inc.
December 30th, 2021
Good morning,
An update from Palm Beach Polo & Country Club Property Owners' Association, Inc. (POA):
Trash & Recycling Pickup
Please note that the Village of Wellington has transitioned to a new solid waste and recycling vendor which has caused delays in service throughout the community. FCC Environmental Services has taken over for Waste Management and the new provider commenced service this week. The village has recommended that your containers be left curbside if pickup was missed yesterday. For additional information, the Village of Wellington Solid Waste Department can be reached at 561-791-4003.
Per the village's website, the collection schedule will continue as follows:
Wednesday’s = Trash, Vegetation & Bulk Pickup
Saturday’s = Trash & Recycling Pickup
Quick Reference Contact Information
• Palm Beach Polo POA office: 561-514-1800 or via email a polo.poa@polopoa.com
• East Entry Gate Phone Number: 561-793-7758 (call this number with any access control or security concerns)
• West Entry Gate Phone Number: 561-793-7759
• Construction Entry Phone Number: 561-784-1901
Best regards and a Happy New Year to all!
Jim Taccone,
LCAM General Manager Palm Beach Polo & Country Club Property Owners' Association, Inc.
November 18, 2021
Good morning,
An update from Palm Beach Polo & Country Club Property Owners' Association, Inc. (POA) as the winter season gets into swing:
Polo House
Our contact information is listed below for your convenience.
Community Safety, Parking & Vehicle Regulations
A reminder about community safety, parking and vehicle regulations:
The Palm Beach Sheriff’s Office (PBSO), along with the POA, want to remind all residents to have and use a properly functioning alarm system, lighting set to timers when in residence or away, and to lock all doors and windows (this includes your vehicles also). Please do not leave valuable items such as wallets or cell phones in plain site in your vehicle while out.
Many residents have Ring or similar security camera apps on their cell phone which are beneficial. If you are traveling, and an incident takes place at your home and need to contact the authorities immediately, please call 561-688-3400, which is the general contact number for PBSO. By calling this number when out of town, a deputy can be dispatched to your home. Calling 911 from out of state will not direct you to Wellington emergency dispatch. Please add 561-688-3400 to your list of contacts.
Parking on the grass in any location of the community is prohibited. The regulation applies to all residents, guests and vendors.
Golf Cart Decals & Path Etiquette
All golf carts driven in the community must register with the POA. If you have not done so already, please contact the POA office at 561-514-1800 or via email at polo.poa@polopoa.com for more information. Golf cart decals are fifty dollars ($50.00) with a check payable to Palm Beach Polo POA. Cart drivers are required to possess a valid driver’s license. Minors are not permitted to operate a vehicle under any circumstances and may not be covered by your insurance. Please observe the following regulations:
All carts must have a valid POA sticker affixed to the cart.
Carts are to be driven on golf cart paths only and not POA roadways. Security will enforce the regulation.
Pedestrians and cyclists have the right of way along all paths and carts must yield and pull over for each to allow passage.
Carts are required to stop at all road intersections including corners without stop signs.
Carts driven in the evening must be equipped with functioning head and tail lights.
ABDI GateAccess App
Help alleviate congestion at the entry gates by entering your guests using the ABDI GateAccess app which can be downloaded from the app store on your portable device. Once downloaded, the community code is “POLO”, user name is the phone number attached to your account including area code (ex. 5615551234), and the password is your assigned five digit PIN number.
Once logged in, you can add or delete guests from you list and also control the duration each has access to your property. For questions regarding the app, please contact the POA office at 561-514-1800 or via email at polo.poa@polopoa.com
Additional Items
Homeowners are responsible for the actions of their guests while inside the community.
Quick Reference Contact Information
Palm Beach Polo POA office: 561-514-1800 or via email at polo.poa@polopoa.com
East Entry Gate Phone Number: 561-793-7758 (call this number with any access control or security concerns)
West Entry Gate Phone Number: 561-793-7759
Construction Entry Phone Number: 561-784-1901
Best regards,
Jim Taccone, LCAM
General Manager Palm Beach Polo & Country Club Property Owners' Association, Inc.
February 23, 2021
Good afternoon,
An update from Palm Beach Polo & Country Club Property Owners' Association, Inc. (POA):
Village of Wellington – Tennis House Front Lawn
The Village of Wellington Utility Department, via an independent contractor, has removed several trees and ground cover surrounding a utility lift station in front of the Tennis House on Polo Club Road near the main entry. The large trees and vegetation were interfering with communication devices affecting utility operations during hurricane and storm events. The work is being performed on Tennis House property which is not owned by the POA. Upon completion of the tree work, clusia hedges will be installed to the height of the chain link fence around the lift station to provide concealment along with sod and soil for proper drainage. Work at this location should continue through next week.
Parking & Vehicle Regulations
A reminder about parking and vehicle regulations:
- Lock your car doors!
- Parking on the grass in any location of the community is prohibited. The regulation applies to all residents, guests and vendors.
- On-street parking is not permitted between the hours of midnight and 6 AM. Vehicles left in roadways between these hours will be ticketed.
Golf Cart Decals & Path Etiquette
All golf carts driven in the community must register with the POA. If you have not done so already, please contact the POA office at 561-514-1800 or via email at polo.poa@polopoa.com for more information. Golf cart decals are fifty dollars ($50.00) with a check payable to Palm Beach Polo POA. Cart drivers are required to possess a valid driver’s license. Minors are not permitted to operate a vehicle under any circumstances and may not be covered by your insurance. Please observe the following regulations:
- All carts must have a valid POA sticker affixed to the cart.
- Carts are to be driven on golf cart paths only and not POA roadways. Security will enforce the regulation.
- Pedestrians and cyclists have the right of way along all paths and carts must yield and pull over for each to allow passage.
- Carts are required to stop at all road intersections including corners without stop signs.
- Carts driven in the evening must be equipped with functioning head and tail lights.
Quick Reference Contact Information
- Palm Beach Polo POA office: 561-514-1800 or via email at polo.poa@polopoa.com
- East Entry Gate Phone Number: 561-793-7758 (call this number with any access control or security concerns.
- West Entry Gate Phone Number: 561-793-7759
- Construction Entry Phone Number: 561-784-1901
Additional Items
- The information provided within this email is sent to residents of the community and does not necessarily reach everyone that is residing within the community. It is imperative that recipients of this email share this information with guests or tenants that may be staying at your home.
- Homeowners are responsible for the actions of their guests while inside the community.
- Please immediately cleanup after your dog(s). Dog waste bags and receptacles are conveniently located throughout the community for your use.
For additional information and updates, please visit the POA website at www.palmbeachpolopoa.com or contact 561-514-1800.
Thanks,
Jim Taccone, LCAM
General Manager
Palm Beach Polo & Country Club Property Owners' Association, Inc.
February 17, 2021
Dear Fellow Residents,
Yes, another letter.When events require bringing new areas of interest to your attention or new areas of concern arise, the long arm of Palm Beach Polo will reach out to you.
The Dunes Preserve Fund
Attached please find the details of an annual fund we are creating to accelerate the continuing development of what has become our most precious asset and amenity.
As has been discussed in prior communications, we are still playing catch-up with years of irrigation and infrastructure neglect. The increased usage of the preserve required additional funds to be allocated to the landscaping budget. It is our hope the annual fund will minimize future increases.
Suggestions for the fund may be almost as welcome as donations.
Stribling Way Berm Reclamation
Please visit the Stribling Way berm where mature Ficus trees have recently been installed. Now that the new berm irrigation system is functioning, the microscopic Clusia that had been planted under court orde rto the declarant have finally shown signs of life. Some have reached the towering height of two feet. We expect regular watering will greatly accelerate growth. In a few years they may earn the title, “hedge”.Bare spots are being eliminated with newly planted Clusia.
Polo Club Road Clusia Installation:
The Ficus hedge that had concealed the Tennis House parking areas for years were removed for reasons unknown and unexplained. We have installed a new Clusia hedge. The new hedge is on POA property and the early installation should reap the benefits of the approaching growing season.
All-Night Patrols of the Dunes Preserve:
Commencing shortly, dusk to daylight patrols will be implemented throughout the Dunes Preserve. The patrolling vehicle may be the patrol golf cart or a normal patrol car. From time to time the golf cart patrol may leave the path and patrol closer to the homes. Please do not be alarmed if you see flashing lights. This additional layer of security should be welcome by all. A new fence starting at the corner of Stribling Wayand Pierson Road is under construction and will run the length of the canal to Black Watch Farm. Residents have asked us to emphasize that the Dunes Preserve is closed to all residents from sunset to sunrise with no exceptions.The Executive Committee has requested that were-distribute copies of the rules and regulations covering the preserve and dog parks.They will be mailed later this week. It is crucial that parents understand they are responsible for making their children aware of the regulations and the benefit they bring to the community.
Sincerely yours,
Andrew Carduner